In general, disorders of the nose are not fatal; however, they can be debilitating. The nose is the primary point of entry for air for the lungs. Inhaled air is cleansed and moisturized by cilia (hair-like projections) and mucus that line the nasal passages. Mucus is produced in the nose, lungs, and sinuses. Nose disorders include allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, and sinusitis; persons affected with these ailments may have difficulty breathing or speaking. A number of drug treatments are available for each nasal disorder. For some, drug therapy may be ineffective and surgery may necessary.
Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths in the lining of the nose and sinuses. Small nasal polyps cause very few problems; however, larger ones can affect breathing, diminish sense of smell, and lead to headaches and snoring. Causes of nasal polyps include inflammation from viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, and allergies. Chronic inflammation causes blood vessels in the lining of the nose and sinuses to become permeable. Over time, water accumulates and gravity pulls down these drenched tissues to form polyps. Symptoms of nasal polyps include runny nose, persistent stuffiness, chronic sinus infections, loss of smell, dull headaches, and snoring.
Commonly Prescribed (On-Label) Drugs: Budesonide, Fluticasone, Mometasone
Off-Label Prescription Drugs Breakthrough Options: Betamethasone, Montelukast, Prednisolone, Prednisone
Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses (moist air spaces within the bones of the face surrounding the nose) generally caused by viral or bacterial infections. Signs and symptoms of sinusitis include a stuffy or runny nose with daytime cough that persists for 10 to 14 days; mucus discharge from the nose; persistent dull pain or swelling around the eyes; pain or tenderness in or surrounding the cheekbones; a feeling of pressure in the head; a headache upon awakening; bad breath; pain in the upper teeth; and a fever greater than 102 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius).
Commonly Prescribed (On-Label) Drugs: Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid, Azithromycin, Cefdinir, Cefpodoxime, Cefprozil, Cefuroxime, Ciprofloxacin, Gatifloxacin, Levofloxacin, Loracarbef, Moxifloxacin, Telithromycin
Off-Label Prescription Drug Breakthrough Option: Trimethoprimsulfamethoxazole
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